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Proving Grounds Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Test & Evaluation Operator

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$18 - $22.25/hr

Execute vehicle dynamics and characterization campaigns -- tire evaluation, trailer stability, axle-weight verification -- including offsite testing at partner proving grounds. * Serve as the ...

Test & Evaluation Operator

Pittsburgh, PA

$17.75 - $21.75/hr

Execute vehicle dynamics and characterization campaigns -- tire evaluation, trailer stability, axle-weight verification -- including offsite testing at partner proving grounds. * Serve as the ...

Test & Evaluation Operator

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$18 - $22.25/hr

Execute vehicle dynamics and characterization campaigns - tire evaluation, trailer stability, axle-weight verification - including offsite testing at partner proving grounds. * Serve as the qualified ...

Test Driver

Miami, FL ยท On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Kett provides services to automotive manufacturers, Tier-1 suppliers, and technology companies on public roads, proving grounds, off-road, and at engineering and technical centers. Kett's core ...

Test & Evaluation Operator

Pittsburgh, PA ยท On-site

$17.75 - $21.75/hr

Execute vehicle dynamics and characterization campaigns - tire evaluation, trailer stability, axle-weight verification - including offsite testing at partner proving grounds. * Serve as the qualified ...

Test & Evaluation Operator

Pittsburgh, PA ยท On-site

$17.75 - $21.75/hr

Execute vehicle dynamics and characterization campaigns - tire evaluation, trailer stability, axle-weight verification - including offsite testing at partner proving grounds. * Serve as the qualified ...

Test Driver

Miami, FL ยท On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Kett provides services to automotive manufacturers, Tier-1 suppliers, and technology companies on public roads, proving grounds, off-road, and at engineering and technical centers. Kett's core ...

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Kett Engineering provides services to automotive manufacturers, Tier-1 suppliers, and technology companies on public roads, proving grounds, off-road, and at engineering and technical centers. Kett ...

$18.89/hr

This position is located at Dugway Proving Grounds in Dugway, UT. Refusal of a military spouse to participate in established recruitment procedures is considered a declination of employment and is a ...

$18.89/hr

This position is located at Dugway Proving Grounds in Dugway, UT. Refusal of a military spouse to participate in established recruitment procedures is considered a declination of employment and is a ...

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TEST DRIVER/EVALUATOR - CHELSEA PROVING GROUNDS / RESPONSIBILITIES * Complete vehicle and component preparation and inspection. * Collect data through proper use of data acquisition equipment.

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How much do proving grounds jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for proving grounds in the United States is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a proving grounds?

A Proving Grounds job typically involves testing, evaluating, and improving equipment, vehicles, or technology in real-world or controlled environments. These roles are common in industries like automotive, defense, and aerospace, where performance, durability, and safety must be verified before deployment. Employees in these roles may conduct field tests, analyze data, and make recommendations for improvements. Proving Grounds jobs often require technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in rigorous conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the proving grounds position?

To thrive in a Proving Grounds engineering role, you need a strong background in automotive mechanics, engineering, or vehicle testing, often supported by a relevant technical degree or certification. Familiarity with data acquisition systems, diagnostic tools, and safety protocols is essential for accurate testing and analysis. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are key soft skills for documenting results and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure precise vehicle evaluations, contribute to product development, and maintain high safety standards throughout testing processes.

What types of vehicles or equipment will I typically work with at a proving grounds facility?

At a Proving Grounds facility, you will likely work with a wide range of vehicles or equipment such as passenger cars, commercial trucks, off-road vehicles, and prototypes, depending on the company's focus. Many facilities are equipped to test different models under various environmental conditions, from high-speed tracks to rough terrain and extreme weather simulators. This variety offers valuable experience across platforms and technologies, making the job both dynamic and educational. If you are passionate about hands-on automotive testing and research, the Proving Grounds environment offers a unique and active setting to develop your skills.

More about Proving Grounds jobs

What cities are hiring for Proving Grounds jobs?

Cities with the most Proving Grounds job openings:

What states have the most Proving Grounds jobs?

States with the most job openings for Proving Grounds jobs include:

Infographic showing various Proving Grounds job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,876 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Test & Evaluation Operator

Waabi

Phoenix, AZ โ€ข On-site

$18 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate Class 8 autonomous and manual vehicles on closed course and public roads to the full Vehicle Operator standard.

  • Own in-seat execution of platform V&V and release testing, including safety assurance limits, driver override response, supervised autonomy stability, and fault injection.

  • Produce written evaluations for engineering, separating baseline from novel behavior and confirming reproducibility.


Job description

Waabi, founded by AI visionary Raquel Urtasun, is the leader in Physical AI. With a world-class team, we're unlocking the next era of autonomous transportation with technology that's powering commercial autonomous trucks and robotaxis. Waabi is backed by and partners with world leaders in AI, automotive, logistics, and deep tech.
 
With offices in Toronto, San Francisco, Dallas, and Pittsburgh, Waabi is growing quickly and looking for diverse, innovative and collaborative candidates who want to impact the world in a positive way. To learn more visit: www.waabi.ai

You will…
  • Operate Class 8 autonomous and manual vehicles on closed course and public roads, to the full Vehicle Operator standard.
  • Own in-seat execution of platform V&V and release testing including testing safety assurance limits, driver override response, supervised autonomy stability, and fault injection.
  • Produce written evaluations precise enough for engineering to act on, separating baseline from novel behavior and stating whether it reproduces.
  • Execute vehicle dynamics and characterization campaigns — tire evaluation, trailer stability, axle-weight verification — including offsite testing at partner proving grounds.
  • Serve as the qualified evaluator for operator certification: administer Knowledge and Proficiency
  • Checks and clear operators onto a platform.
  • Author and maintain platform-specific operator documentation — start-up and shutdown sequences, known-behavior references, SOP input.
  • Own the DOT and CVSA compliance read on new platforms.
  • Train operators on new platforms and move platform knowledge between sites ahead of any handover.
  • Escalate safety-relevant findings and stop testing when equipment or vehicle behavior warrants it. Document the basis for that call.
 
Qualifications:
  • 8+ years as a Vehicle Operator, commercial test driver, or in a technically equivalent Class 8 operations role, including 4 years on autonomous or ADAS-equipped vehicles.
  • CDL Class A, current Medical Examiner's Certificate, and a clean driving record, background check, and drug screen.
  • Strong technical aptitude with autonomy platforms.
  • Demonstrated ability to characterize vehicle behavior precisely: consistent versus intermittent, reproducible versus one-off, with conditions and magnitude rather than impressions.
  • Strong written communication skills, translating in-cab observation into reports operations, engineering and safety can act on without follow-up.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with closed-course and proving-ground protocols, including edge-case and failure-mode testing.
  • Solid understanding of FMCSA and DOT requirements for test and development vehicles — DVIR, Hours of Service, DOT annual inspection, CVSA out-of-service criteria, and 49 CFR Parts 393 and 396.
  • Experience training, coaching, or certifying other commercial drivers is highly desirable.
  • CVSA Enhanced Pre-trip certification, Proving ground experience or licenses, a strong plus.
  • Comfort maintaining written documentation and willingness to learn the team's reporting tooling.
  • Passion for self-driving technologies, solving hard problems, and building a culture of safety and operational excellence.
  • Ability to work flexible shifts, including days, nights, and weekends.
  • Travel to other operational sites and partner proving grounds will be required.
Day Shift Schedule and Flexibility:
Base shift: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM MT. Day shift crews are expected to be flexible.
Perks/Benefits:
Waabi provides a competitive benefits package that includes:
  • Competitive compensation and equity awards.
  • Health and wellness benefits encompassing Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
  • Paid parental, medical and family care leave.
  • Generous PTO Policy.
  • Retirement savings plans including 401(k) or RRSP options.
  • Health savings account contribution options.
  • Daily drinks, snacks, and catered meals (when in office).
  • Regularly scheduled team building activities and social events both on-site, off-site & virtually.
  • Additional benefits are offered and tailored to specific country locations.
  • As we grow, this list continues to evolve! 
 
Waabi is a technology start-up building technologies to transform the way the world moves. Join our talented team to be a part of the future and to make an impact!
 
Waabi is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and accessible workplace for all our employees. We seek applicants of all backgrounds and identities, across race, color, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or parental status, caregiver status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We make workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please let our recruiting team know.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.